Child Custody Legal Services

Child Custody

The issue of Child Custody and parental rights is one of the most emotionally-difficult aspects of a divorce between parents with children. In the state of New Jersey, any conflicts arising from child custody and parenting time must always be made in the best interests of the child, and no parent is automatically viewed as more suited to raise the child, regardless of your sex or gender.

Because every family is different, custody arrangements can vary widely between couples. Some considerations include examining each parent's respective relationship and bond with your child, both spouse's career, education, and/or work schedules, and any medical or psychological needs of both you, your spouse, and your child or children. 

The most common custody arrangements are sole custody, joint legal custody, or shared custody (legal and residential/physical). Residential custody considers where your child will live and what a permissible parenting time or visitation schedule might look like, which is simply called "parenting time" in NJ. In the court's view, parenting time must recognize each spouse's contributions and role as a parent, regardless of how much time the child spends with each parent.

Legal custody on the other hand involves considering which parent will have primary decision-making authority over how your child is cared for and raised. Legal custody also includes decisions on how your child or children will be raised and academic concerns like schooling, as well as religious education.

Our attorneys have not only the knowledge, but the proven skillset and track-record to help guide you in developing the framework for a reasonable parenting and custody plan that benefits you and enriches your child's life. Likewise, if a circumstance has changed in your life or your ex-wife or ex-husband's life that might warrant a change to your existing custody and parenting time Agreement, contact us today.